Northern European countries often rank among the happiest countries on Earth, being praised for their array of free public services and social inclusion.
Studies have shown that some countries score exceptionally high in taking care of their elderly, and Danish women over 65 reporting to be the happiest in the European bloc.
It’s little surprise, then, that Scandinavian countries dominated the 2020 list of the Best Countries for Women. The Best Countries for Women is a perception-based ranking based on the responses of nearly 9,800 women who filled out surveys for the 2020 Best Countries rankings.
Canada was ranked 5 out of more than ten countries. The ranking is derived from a compilation of five equally weighted country attributes: care about human rights, gender equality, income equality, progress and safety.
Canada Rank Fifth For The Best Countries For Women 2020
5. Canada
Canada is a clear leader in ensuring gender equality and offering a high quality of life for its male and female citizens. Canada has a strong economy, with a thriving job market and low poverty levels. Women in Canada earn an average of 87 cents for every dollar earned by men, but this gap is narrowing. In addition, child care is affordable and accessible, and parental leave is generous. The country also ranks highly in terms of health and education outcomes.
Canada’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its policies and programs and cultural attitudes. Women are well-represented in politics and business and enjoy high social and economic independence. Violence against women is rare, and the country has a robust network of support services available to victims.
4. Norway
Norway is an excellent place for women to live, work, and raise a family. In 2020, it was ranked as the best country for women by the World Economic Forum. The report looked at political empowerment, economic opportunity, health and well-being, and education.
Norway has made great strides in gender equality over the years. In 1970, Norwegian women didn’t even have the right to vote. Today, females make up almost half of the parliament and hold many top positions in business and government. As a result, Norway offers excellent opportunities for women to succeed both professionally and personally.
The country also ranks high in terms of health and well-being. For example, life expectancy for women is over 83 years, and Norwegians enjoy one of the highest levels of happiness in the world.
3. Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country that has consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world for women to live. In 2020, it still ranked as one of the top countries for women’s equality and opportunity. The Netherlands offers great opportunities for women in terms of education, work, and political representation. The Netherlands has a high female workforce participation rate, with nearly three-quarters of Dutch women participating in the labour market.
Global Gender Gap Report 2018. Women are also well-represented in politics; more than 50% of women in the Dutch parliament. The Netherlands offers free primary and secondary education to all students regarding access to education. Additionally, girls have equal access to education as boys and outperform boys in many subjects.
2. Sweden
Sweden is the best country for women when it comes to opportunity, health and well-being, and education, according to the 2020 Women’s Economic Equality Index released by International Living.
The report ranks Sweden first in its global index of countries that provide women with the most opportunities and benefits. The index measures a country’s performance across three main categories: economy, society, and environment. Countries are then ranked based on their overall performance in each category.
With the most progressive attitudes toward gender equality, Sweden ranked first for its strong economy and generous parental leave policies that allow mothers and fathers to take time off work to care for their children.
1. Denmark
Denmark has consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world for women, and a good reason. The country offers a high level of economic and social security and opportunities for women to participate in the workforce and political life. Denmark also has strong policies supporting gender equality, which have helped reduce disparities between men and women in education, health, and employment. The most flexible European Union.
The Best Countries For Women 2020
6. Finland
7. Switzerland
8. New Zealand
9. Australia
10. Austria
Source: U.S. News & World Report
University Magazine is part of the 
